The number of jobless people across the county has plummeted to an all time low, according to new figures.

Figures released earlier this week showed that just 9,768 people claimed Jobseekers Allowance in Leicestershire in April – down 204 on March.

The figures are the lowest since records began in 1983, and have plummeted by almost 5,000 since last year when the jobless figure stood at 14,577.

The news comes from the Office for National Statistics, who also revealed that in the first quarter of the year, 2,225,000 people across the region were employed.

This compares to 2,180,000 during the same period last year and means there is now an employment rate of 73.8%.

The East Midlands Chamber of Commerce have welcomed the good news, with chief executive George Cowcher saying: “Today’s employment and claimant figures once again highlight how strong the East Midlands economy is at the moment, with businesses continuing to create jobs and drive the growth that is needed to fully rebalance the national economy.

“It’s also pleasing that earnings continue to increase and boost living standards - a focus on improving productivity from businesses will ensure this is sustainable.

“Businesses need a continued period of stability in order to deliver the growth and prosperity the country needs and the new government has the opportunity to use its strengthened mandate to bring forward initiatives which will maintain and build upon the momentum the economy has built up over the past two years.”